The beaches of southwest Sri Lanka have served as a sanctuary for sea turtles for several centuries and are an ideal destination for responsible travel. Unfortunately, many factors have led to a sharp decline in the number of turtles over the past few decades. As a result, the turtle has become an endangered species in this part of the world, leading to significant development in sustainable tourism.
To combat this risk, the Sri Lankan government has encouraged the opening of a number of turtle farms.
The main objective of these centers is to ensure the well-being of sea turtles and to increase their numbers through these protective measures. These measures include:
Volunteer help is essential for the viability of these farms and for raising awareness among local communities about the importance of protecting turtles.
“Family” projects are suitable for children from the age of 4. Our advisors will provide you with personalized recommendations based on your children’s age, the destination, and the type of mission.
As in other parts of Asia, the survival of livestock farming depends on tourism: if they can generate income from visits, conservation activities can continue. Despite the interactions with the animals, it’s the only option available. Without these ‘hatcheries,’ the turtles would have disappeared due to intense poaching, egg consumption, and an increasing number of predators.
Regulations issued by the Ministry of Fisheries allow hatcheries to keep the animals and eggs until they are ordered to release them. In order to protect the eggs, farm owners collect them and keep them until they hatch. It should be noted that tourists must pay to participate in releasing the turtles into the sea. This practice raises ethical questions, although all hatcheries in Sri Lanka follow this method, due to the lack of significant changes in their release practices.
Working days on the project: Monday to Friday (weekends are free).
This can vary from time to time depending on local conditions on the ground, but in general the project is structured as follows:
– For 2-3 days a week, participants work at the breeding center for about 3 hours a day. Typical tasks include cleaning the tanks and general area, feeding and cleaning the turtles, administering medication to sick and injured turtles according to team guidelines, filling the tanks with seawater to replicate their natural environment, and other special tasks as needed.
– One day of the week is specifically dedicated to cleaning the beaches in the Galle neighborhood in order to preserve the local marine ecosystem. It is carried out with the support of the Galle City Council (local authorities), which manages the waste that we collect.
– 1-2 days of the week are dedicated to raising awareness among local communities. This work involves preparing presentations and visiting rural schools to raise awareness among children about turtles and their role in the ecosystem.
– During the nesting season (November to May), night camps are organized where groups watch over the beach in the hope of seeing the turtles come to lay their eggs.
The conservation center is located about an hour’s drive from the volunteers’ house.
In addition to your project, those who wish can choose to take a one-week tour to explore the best of Sri Lanka’s beauty and diversity. From Galle to Sigiriya, passing through Kandy and Ella, you will set out to explore the southern, central, and western regions of this beautiful tropical island.
Please contact us to find out the departure dates and the price.
This responsible trip is perfectly suited for families with young children. A fun and playful way to introduce the little ones to the world of ecovolunteering and sustainable projects.
Arrivals every Saturday
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 1190 € |
3 weeks | 1440 € |
4 weeks | 1690 € |
5 weeks | 1940 € |
6 weeks | 2190 € |
7 weeks | 2440 € |
8 weeks | 2690 € |
9 weeks | 2940 € |
10 weeks | 3190 € |
11 weeks | 3440 € |
12 weeks | 3690 € |
Un supplément de 200€ s’applique aux participants de -18 ans. Pour plus d’informations, rdv sur l’espace jeunes.
You will be accommodated in one of the two volunteer houses, located in the Unawatuna neighborhood, just a 15-minute drive from the center of Galle and a 5-minute walk from the beach.
These houses have several (single-gender) bedrooms that can accommodate between 4 and 6 people and each is equipped with bathrooms. Each house also includes an outdoor space, providing a peaceful place to relax, socialize, or simply enjoy the region’s pleasant weather. In addition, meals are included in the project.
The distribution of volunteers will be organized taking into account the availability of each house.
For couples, families, or individuals preferring a single, double, or family room, additional options are available for an extra charge. For more information on rates and terms, please contact us directly.
For the days at the breeding center and for beach cleaning (4 to 5 days), it is recommended to wear comfortable and casual clothing (t-shirts, shorts, sandals, flip-flops, hats, sunscreen, etc.) as participants will be outdoors for long periods. For Community Awareness Day (once a week), it is recommended to dress more formally, especially if you are entering a school. It is mandatory to wear lab coats (provided by the NGO) during teaching sessions in schools.
